Biology

Overview

The first year of the Doctoral Program in Biology at  Universidade de Aveiro  includes a curricular component (60 ECTS) structured in Advanced Courses, focused on various thematic areas of the scientific field of Biology (total of 24 ECTS), tutorial classes (20 ECTS), and the preparation of the thesis component (16 ECTS). At the end of the first year, the student will have to submit and publicly defend his doctoral workplan. A positive evaluation is required for their permanence in the doctoral program.

The remaining three years are full-time dedicated to the development of the research work leading to the submission of a thesis (corresponding to 60 ECTS each year), preparation of publications, thesis writing and defense of this evidence in public examination. The thesis must consist of original research in the scientific field of Biology at the choice of the student, within one of the subject areas offered under the Advanced Courses: Molecular Biology and Genetics; Cell Biology; Microbiology; Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management; Ecotoxicology and Environmental Biology; Marine Biology; Tropical Biology and Ecology; Cygenetics and Aquatic Resources; Communication, Dissemination and Biological Illustration; Biology and Applied Biosciences.

The flexible organization of the curricular component of Advanced Courses modules allows the recognition of skills and knowledge gained in courses / training obtained in other Universities / Research Centers, national or foreign, provided that such training is recognized by the Coordinating Committee of the Doctoral Program.

The general objectives of the PhD program are:

• A general understanding of the main branches of biology, and the ability to recognize their interactions.

• The high quality training in a research environment demanding yet supported, with the participation of scientists of international standing .

• Training in advanced methods and techniques of analysis and applied research in the field and laboratory.

• Developing the capacity to seek and interpret complex scientific information.

• The development of the ability to conduct original research and able to fulfill the process of peer review.

• The development of the ability to conceptualise, design, implement and manage scientific research.

• The development of the ability to interact with teams of interdisciplinary research in the identification and formulation of relevant scientific problems.

• The development of the ability to find funding for the implementation of scientific edge.

• The development of the ability to present ideas and the scientific specialist and non-specialist audiences results.

• The acquisition of skills in entrepreneurship and self-employment area .